It protects the highest symmetrical active volcano in the world; the setting of Humboldt's scientific expeditions in 1802
Area
330 km²
Protection category
IUCN II
Parque nacional —
Designated in
1975
Declared in 1975, it protects the Cotopaxi volcano (5,897 m), reckoned the highest perfectly symmetrical conical active volcano in the world. It was studied as early as 1802 by the Prussian naturalist Alexander von Humboldt during his historic American expedition, which documented its activity and helped popularise scientific interest in Andean volcanoes across Europe. After almost 140 years of relative quiet, Cotopaxi returned to eruptive activity in 2015, forcing the temporary closure of the park on safety grounds before its gradual reopening.
Location
Loading map…
Cotopaxi: 16 documented species
Mammals6Birds10
Threatened:,,,,
Flora and ecosystems
Ecosystems found in Ecuador, where Cotopaxi lies.
Tropical rainforestMarine / coastalTundra / polar
Experiences in this park
Birdwatching
Wildlife you can see now
What is worth looking out for this month in Ecuador?
Now is a good time: Whale shark and hammerhead aggregation at Darwin and Wolf (June to November (cool season))
Now is a good time: Whale shark and hammerhead aggregation at Darwin and Wolf (June to November (cool season))
Similar parks
Which other parks are like this one?
Same country: Ecuador
Same country: Ecuador
Same country: Ecuador
Same country: Ecuador
Keep exploring
Based on what we already know about this park.
Ecuador
